Get Entrepreneur Now

There are more than 15 million college students nationwide who
are learning about breakthrough research, cutting-edge technology .
. . and which toothpaste to buy.

"Reaching out to college students offers companies a unique
chance to reach prospects who are making decisions about brands,
products and services that may last a lifetime," says Martin
D. Levine, chairman and founder of MarketSource Inc., a Cranbury,
New Jersey, company that specializes in college campus marketing.
"You'll never be able to reach this group in one place
with this much effectiveness again."

The "penniless student" stereotype is bunk, says
Levine. In addition to having their own discretionary incomes, they
also have powerful influences on parents and other relatives when
it comes to bigger-ticket items. According to Levine, it's not
uncommon for a parent to react to a student's interest in what
type of car to buy.

Campus marketing efforts can be carried out at a single school,
within a region or nationally. If working with a marketing firm is
out of your budget, contact the college's student activity
center and inquire about incorporating sampling or promotion into
an existing school event.

Gwen Moran is president of Moran Marketing Associations, a
public relations and marketing communications agency in Ocean, New
Jersey, and founder of BoostYourBiz.com, a marketing information
resource. E-mail her at gwen@boostyourbiz.com.